Sunscreen is often in the spotlight during the sunny summer months when we are most aware of potential sun damage. It protects us from harmful UV rays, reduces the risks of skin cancer and helps prevent early wrinkles – they start working minutes after application. In short, it is one of the most effective beauty products. But to really keep your skin healthy and glowing, sunscreen should be a daily habit. Here’s why:
Why Do I Need SPF? The benefits of sunscreen
1. Reduces the risk of skin cancer
Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces the risk of developing skin cancer and precancerous skin cells. Applying SPF in combination with other sun-protective behaviors—such as covering up with dark clothing and wearing a hat and sunglasses—reduces the harmful effects of sun exposure. Actually, the Skin Cancer Foundation claims that applying an SPF 15 sunscreen reduces your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and your risk of melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) by 50%.
2. Protects against sunburn
UVA rays from the sun (and the same ones you get in tanning booths) are primarily associated with long-term skin damage – such as wrinkling – and are also associated with some skin cancers. However, UVB rays are responsible sunburn and are believed to cause most skin cancers. Sunburns are not only painful, but are directly related to the deadliest types of cancer. According to Healthline: “Even a single sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. This is because when the skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic material in the skin cells.’ Fortunately, sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight.
3. Helps prevent inflammation & redness
Too much time in the sun will lead to sunburn, but did you realize that it can also lead to severe reddening of the skin and inflammation of the skin? According to Medical news today: “Ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the skin, which turns red as the body directs more blood to the affected area to repair the damage.”
4. Prevents the early onset of wrinkles and fine lines
When it comes to the development of wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet, sunscreen is one of the most effective tools in your arsenal. Prolonged exposure to UVA rays prematurely ages your skin and results in collagen loss and skin elasticity. In fact, up to 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by sun damage. By introducing SPF into your daily skin care routine, you prevent the visible signs of aging with minimal effort.
5. Helps protect against blemished skin and hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation) refers to areas of the skin that discolor or darken in an inconsistent manner. This can be hereditary, but can also be caused by sun exposure. Spots or dark spots may appear on the face, hands and other parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun.
The good news? There’s a simple way to prevent blackheads (as well as sunburns, wrinkles and skin cancer) — and the solution is to wear sunscreen rain or shine, not just in the summer.
Clearly, sun exposure can have a profound effect and potentially cause premature skin aging, skin cancer and many other skin changes. If you think you can avoid the sun’s rays in winter or sitting at the office, you might be surprised to learn about these next situations when SPF is still necessary:
Do you need sunscreen in the winter?
According to Dr. Hooman Khorasani, quad-board certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon, “UV radiation (especially UVA) from the sun can penetrate clouds and windows, affecting your skin even on cloudy or winter days. days”. Even in snowy weather, UVA rays can reach your skin if you’re near a window, potentially causing damage.
Dr. Khorasani also emphasizes, “Daily use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancers, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.” In addition to preventing cancer, sunscreen helps protect against premature aging and wrinkles. “Sunscreen protects your skin’s underlying collagen structure from the damaging effects of UV rays, which contribute to wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation,” she adds.
However, we should not only protect ourselves from UV rays. Dr. Khorasani points out, “There is emerging evidence to suggest that blue light from screens may contribute to photoaging, although more research is needed to fully understand the extent of its effect.” Research has shown that blue light can trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage skin cells and contribute to signs of aging such as wrinkles and pigmentation changes. “Therefore, light from screens and artificial light can also affect the health of our skin, accelerating aging and pigmentation problems,” she notes.
Consistent application and reapplying of broad-spectrum sunscreen forms a protective layer against these daily exposures. “I recommend making sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine year-round,” says Dr. Khorasani. “It’s a simple and powerful step to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.”
5 Surprising Situations When You Should Wear SPF
1. Indoors
For those who spend all day indoors, UVA light can still reach you through window glass. If your office is bright with sunlight coming through the windows, you get a similar amount of UVA rays as you would if you were outside.
2. Cloudy days
The Skin Cancer Foundation also reports that even when it’s cloudy, up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation reaches Earth. Unfortunately, this means that outdoor activity on a cloudy day (any time of year) can lead to skin damage.
3. At high altitudes
According to the Skin Cancer FoundationUVB rays can cause sun damage and sunburn even if you’ve chosen a ski vacation over a week at the beach. Be especially careful on snowy days. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s harmful rays, so the next time you’re on the slopes, apply sunscreen to the exposed parts of your face to protect against increased UV exposure from glare.
4. During the Winter
The ozone layer is the part of the atmosphere that absorbs radiation from the sun. During the winter months, the ozone layer thins, meaning you have less defense against the sun’s rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests applying SPF to your entire body before getting dressed. At the very least, they recommend applying sunscreen to areas not covered by clothing, such as your ears, neck, scalp, hands, and face (but you already knew that).
5. Through light clothing
You’d assume that all clothing protects us from sun damage, but certain lightweight fabrics like silk, crepe, or cotton tend to let light through. Also, the lighter the color of the garment, the more likely sunlight is to hit the skin. For example, a white cotton t-shirt only protects with the equivalent of SPF 5! For more protection, wear dark, dense fabrics. Synthetic and semi-synthetic fibers such as polyester or rayon, as well as heavy, tightly woven fabrics such as wool, denim or corduroy, provide the most protection — although they may not be what you’re after on a hot summer day!
Best SPF for everyday use
How to Apply an SPF Moisturizer
When choosing a sunscreen, look for the phrase “broad spectrum.” This description indicates that the formula protects against UVA and UVB rays. Next, check the sun protection factor (SPF) number which rates the effectiveness of the sunscreen in blocking UV rays. For your best defense, choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
Our full mineral SPF sunscreens are specially formulated for the face and neck. Each formula is silicone-free and packed with natural, organic herbs and active ingredients to deliver targeted skin benefits, all while helping you stay protected from sun damage.
Our all-mineral SPF formulas are:
- Ideal for everyday use
- Formulated with zinc oxide for full SPF protection
- Silicone free
1. Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen
If you’re looking for more than just an SPF moisturizer for your daily sunscreen, our full mineral line includes Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen for top-to-toe protection. Reach for this waterproof sports sunscreen for face and body to stay protected during your favorite outdoor activities. Ideal for all skin types. For best results, reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating.
2. Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm
Hydrate, soften and protect your lips with this hydrating lip balm with SPF 15 that protects dry lips from harmful UV exposure, while soothing rosehip oil relieves dryness and refreshing lavender restores softness. Dry, weather-beaten lips will be perfectly hydrated and protected from future damage.
3. Radiant Protection SPF Fluid
Radiant Protection SPF Fluid combines the benefits of bakuchiol – a retinol alternative that evens skin texture to minimize visible signs of aging – and niacinamide, which helps support the skin barrier and hydrate. This SPF 30 sunscreen is perfect for dry to combination skin.
4. Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40
Not to be confused with the sports version, this lightweight all-in-one daily moisturizer is formulated with cocoa bean extract and satsuma mandarin peel. With SPF 40 all-mineral protection, this moisturizer improves the appearance of skin exposed to blue light stress and pollution. Customer Jess M. left an online review calling it “My new favorite moisturizer” and saying “A little goes a long way… The smell is to die for!! I just can’t get enough!”
5. Daily Defense Tinted SPF
Daily Defense Tinted SPF is an SPF 50+ sunscreen with minerals that provides your skin with broad-spectrum protection and protection from blue light. This formula is non-comedogenic and provides your skin with a subtle tint to blur any imperfections. Plus, this lightweight formula is enriched with prickly pear seed oil and rosemary extract to protect against the look of dry, flaky skin.
Ready to incorporate SPF into your daily skincare routine? Connect with your favorite Eminence Organics Spa partner and find out which all-mineral SPF moisturizer works best for you.
